Local Food Resource Hubs

The Local Food Resource Hubs Network supports residents to grow their own fresh produce, helping to ensure greater food security and healthy food access. Hub members are part of neighborhood gardening networks who support each other through the growing season.  By joining, you'll also have access to free or low-cost classes, tools, volunteer opportunities and social events.

Please note: The seedling distributions have already passed (May 18th), so seedlings are no longer part of 2013 Hub memberships. We do still have seeds left, and there are many other benefits of becoming a member and connecting with other gardeners in your neighborhood. Contact us to arrange to pick up your seeds from the Gardening Matters office .

To join a Hub, sign up online now! Or, download the printable sign-up form with program information.

Check out the strawberry growing guide and the raspberry growing guide, both from University of MN Extension! 

Informational flyer available in Espanol * Hmoob * English

 If you have any questions, contact Mallory at mallory@gardeningmatters.org or 612-821-2358.

Click here for full list of seeds and plants available this 2013 season.

Check out We Can Grow!

Gardening Matters is pleased to partner with We Can Grow, a new organization serving gardeners through a gardener education series, complete with raised beds constructed at gardener homes. Any Hubs member can take advantage of We Can Grow resources and classes! For more information visit their website!

What are the Local Food Resource Hubs?

The Hubs are community based networks of residents, organizations, and businesses supporting each other to grow, cook, and preserve fruits and vegetables and increase health and access to fresh food.

How does this program work?

By becoming an engaged member, you become part of a network of people building a vibrant and inclusive local food system.  There are many opportunities to participate, including social events, workdays, classes, and connecting one-on-one with other members. You pay a small membership fee and choose the garden package of seeds and seedlings that best suits your needs.  

How is the Hubs Network organized?

Each Hub operates individually but collaborates with other Hubs across the Hubs Network. Gardening Matters facilitates this collaboration.  Members are encouraged to get involved locally.  Once a year, all members gather to give feedback and plan the next year.  We are committed to making the Hubs Network inclusive, democratic, and welcoming, and the program is constantly evolving to best meet the needs of members and the community. Each neighborhood hub may have different local components, based on each community’s interests and needs. 

How do Hubs help communities?

Hubs members help create healtheir, more resilient communities by giving residents better access to fresh produce and opportunities for exercise through gardening.  Gardens improve the local environment by reducing pollution, preventing erosion, and increasing biodiversity. 

Who can join the Hubs?  Do I have to join the Hub closest to where I live?

At this time, membership is open to residents of Minneapolis and St. Paul.  We are working to expand the program.  You can choose to join whichever Hub you’d like.  The Hubs are about engaging with other members, so join the Hub where you feel most connected!  

Where can I find a place to garden?

Gardening Matters can connect individuals with community gardens.  Yards 2 Gardens also maintains a database of available yards on their website: http://www.y2g.org/. 

How is the Hubs Network supported?

The key to the Hubs Network is an engaged membership, working together to build a strong community.  When people volunteer and share their talents, the entire network becomes stronger.  Anyone can support the Hubs with donated time, skills, supplies, and/or financial support by contacting us. Many neigbhorhood and organizational partnerships help make the Hubs work!

Can I join if I don’t need seeds and seedlings?

Yes!  If you don’t need seeds and seedlings, you can still become a member and volunteer, participate in events, take classes, and build connections with your neighbors.

What is the “Berry” Good Year”?

In response to requests for more fruits, we are offering strawberries and raspberries for special purchase this year. Strawberries will be a recurring theme in classes, activities, and demonstrations. We will highlight the many benefits of berries all year long! 

In 2013, there are 7 Hubs in Minneapolis (4) and St. Paul (3). We hope to expand the program to other neighborhoods and cities in the Twin Cities metro area in future growing seasons. If you're interested in helping to organize a Hub where you live, contact Gardening Matters.   

The Hubs are supported in part by the Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support through the Statewide Health Improvement Program; Homegrown Minneapolis; Afro-Eco; CAPI; Pillsbury United Communities at Waite House; the Northside Fresh Coalition; Cultural Wellness Center; Ventura Village; Corcoran, and Powderhorn Park neighborhood associations; Southeast Como Neighborhood Improvement Association; Little Kitchen Foodshelf; East Side Food Co-op;  Hamline-Midway Coalition;  East Side Prosperity Campaign; Healthy West 7th Coalition; Growing West Side, and many neighborhood partners.